SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS) – The San Francisco Board of Supervisors will consider legislation to force merchants to charge for shopping bags, and to ban plastic bags at all stores in the city.

San Francisco already bans plastic shopping bags at supermarkets and drug stores, but this legislation extends that ban to all stores. In addition, for the first time ever, merchants would charge customers 10 cents a bag if they don’t bring their own. Mayor Lee had been on the fence about issue, but isn’t anymore.

KCBS’ Barbara Taylor Reports:

San Francisco Mayor Supports Ramping Up Plastic Bag Ban

”The intent was never to nickel and dime anybody, but if it takes 10 cents to remind somebody that their habits are within their control, that’s something that we’re willing to consider doing,” said Lee.

As far as those hapless shoppers who forget to bring their own bags and have to pay, Lee said that they’ll eventually learn.

”Some people may make the mistake once or twice, and then they’ll change, because everybody else will serve as a good example,” said Lee.

The supervisors are set to vote on the bag legislation Tuesday afternoon, and with Mayor Lee now expressing support, it’s practically a done deal.

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